The temperature broke today. I don't think it went higher than 85 - now that is a relief! The original plans of going to the pool were thwarted by an overcast day which we were all happy to see. Other plans that did not take place were the tentative plans to see "Rush Hour 3" with Mercer and Keith. They never called today so I assumed that they stayed at home while Mercer repaired Keith's PC. So instead, Michelle, Evan, and myself went to see the movie "Underdog." We were delighted by the movie. Evan actually laugh out loud several times in the theater - it has been a while since he did that. It was a cute kids movie but is entertaining enough for the entire family, I recommend it. Evan also had soccer practice today at 4pm. The temperature was mild so it promised to be bearable. Unfortunately a little more than half way through it started to rain, until it eventually became a down pour. I was sitting in a collapsible chair holding a large golf umbrella, so I remained dry. Evan on the other hand probably could have gotten just as wet had we ventured to the pool. But he didn't seem to mind, and that was OK by me. We then proceeded to have a nice family evening. Dinner at home together, a few board games, we made ice cream in the ice cream maker, and we watched most of "The Incredibles" before it was time for Evan to go to sleep. All in all, a nice day.
Today's Headlines:
U.S. Credit Crisis Affects Stock Markets Around the World.
The bad practice of "sub-prime mortgages" (mortgages with rates below the prime rate) and "interest only mortgages" (mortgages where no principle is paid, only interest) have done wonders damaging the US economy. US creditors are having a difficult time collecting on the money due them from these mortgages and are therefore finding it difficult to stay afloat. With this credit problem impacting US financial institutions, the US dollar is taking a hit worldwide. With the value of the $US falling it is becoming a less attractive an investment for foreigners (people can buy currencies as if they were a commodity so that when their value appreciates - increases - they can sell it at its higher value) who want to dump their holdings of $US. So much is the desired sell-off that some foreign banks are preventing their clients from selling such investments. Just think of what can happen to the price of imports if the value of the $US falls. Fortunately, we can thank China for bolstering our economy by holding $US (actually, we should be worried, if China wanted to get back at the US, all it would have to do is call in its debts to the US - right now, China holds all the cards!) And the fact that "President" Bush continues to assures Americans that the economy is strong is not helping us face the reality - protect American workers and manufacturing in order to keep $US here in the United States!
Meteors Will Put on a Show
We will be able to see a dazzling stellar display beginning early Sunday morning, throughout the day, and into the evening and night (well, not during the day, the sunlight will interfere). This time every year, debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet that passed through the solar system in 1992 makes its way into our atmosphere. This debris completely burns up before it hits the ground but makes for an excellent light show. We plan on trying to catch some of it tomorrow night. Try to take a look. You will find it in the constellation Perseus which will be to the north-northeast (from Raleigh, NC). For more information:
Wikipedia - Perseus Constellation
About.com - Perseid Meteor Showers
or do a google search.
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